Wednesday, January 16, 2008

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (December 19, 2007) – No need to turn the channel on your child's favorite program to find out if a morning snowfall is going to change your plans. WSBE Rhode Island PBS will now broadcast announcements of school cancellations, beginning with the next snow storm.

"We're ready to provide this important service to our viewers," said Rhode Island PBS President Bob Fish. "The technology is now place to get that news on the air for parents," Fish said.

As a member of the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association, Rhode Island PBS has access to the same information as the commercial networks. The announcements of closings at schools and day care centers will appear on the lower third of the screen, while the regular programming continues uninterrupted.

Kathryn Larsen, the station's program director said, "Children can continue to watch their shows while parents can get the information they need."

Preparations are currently underway to also list cancellations on the Rhode Island PBS Web site (www.ripbs.org).